Celebrate Nkem Owoh's 70th Birthday: Look Back at 7 Iconic Roles That Captivated Nollywood
Updated Saturday 8 February 2025
12:30
Due to the availability of classic Nollywood films, people who grew up in Nigeria would declare that the 1990s and 2000s were the best years of their lives.
Exchange rates, fuel prices, and grownup issues that many Nigerians now worry about were unimportant to them back then.
During power outages, they would congregate at a neighbor's house, especially if they had a generator, and huddle up near the TV to watch their favorite comedians perform.
Nigerians relied on CDs to see their favorite performers despite the lack of cable TV, the limited power supply, and the lack of internet services for streaming and downloading.
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Aki and Pawpaw, Chiwetalu Agu, the late Sam Loco Efe, the late John Okafor (Mr. Ibu), Imeh Bishop Umoh, Victor Osuagwu, and Nkem Owoh were some of the celebrities who had Nigerians riveted to their TVs.
Owoh, also called Osuofia, turned 70 on Friday. He is noted for his remarkable performances that skillfully combine wit, humor, and social satire.
DoroTV story lists seven instances in which Osuofia created enduring characters.
Mention Nkem Owoh, but the name might not ring a bell. But say ‘Osuofia’ and add ‘London’, and anyone born in the ’90s or 2000s will instantly know who you’re talking about—the veteran actor who used humour to brighten their days.
Owoh starred in ‘Osuofia in London’, a two-part movie: Part 1, released in 2003, and Part 2, in 2004. The film, primarily in English with some Igbo soundbites, featured him as a hunter who was married and had daughters.
The majority of Osuofia's hunting endeavors were a failure. He was frequently accused by his wife of being a sluggish hunter who craved food but refused to supply the protein for their meals.
In addition, he was made fun of for not paying community taxes, which are necessary to maintain the village. However, he was fortunate to find his brother, Donatus, who lived in the United Kingdom, dead.
Osuofia inherited Donatus's estate and business after his father sent him overseas to study but never came back.
Osuofia's life eventually took a drastic turn when he traveled overseas, however it wasn't without its share of humor and mayhem.
Veteran performers Francis Odega, Cynthia Okereke, Mara Ashton, and Romanus Amuta were among the film's impressive cast.
Produced and directed by ace filmmaker Kingsley Ogoro, Osuofia in London became a box-office hit.
Ukwa
In ‘Ukwa’, released in 2001, he played the role of Ukwa, a stubborn and mischievous man who constantly found himself in hilarious situations.
The film follows Ukwa, a village champion who moves to the city to live with his wealthy elder brother.
However, his stay quickly turns turbulent due to frequent conflicts with his brother’s wife.
To his dismay, Ukwa was demoted to the role of the house driver in his new home.
The film featured Patience Ozokwor, the late Amaechi Muonagor, Sam Loco Efe, Chinelo Ndigwe, and Patience Ozokwor.
After his brother’s death, Ukwa returned to the village.
Johnbull and Rosekate
Released in 2007, Owoh played Johnbull in ‘Johnbull & Rosekate’ (Parts 1 and 2). He fell in love with Rosekate but left town for business.
After ten years, he returned, only to discover that Rosekate had become a reverend sister.
Refusing to accept the situation, John Bull was determined to fight for what he believed was rightfully his.
Directed by Tchidi Chikere, the film featured Uche Elendu, Bruno Iwuoha, Camilla Mberekpe, and others.
The Master
In ‘The Master’, Owoh portrays a cunning, street-smart scammer entangled in various schemes and cons.
The 2004 film tells the story of a 419 scammer who perfects the art of fraud and becomes a master.
However, his refusal to pay his dues to the mentor who taught him everything ultimately leads to his downfall.
The film, starring Kanayo O. Kanayo, Charles Inojie, and others, showcases Owoh’s talent for delivering comedic and serious performances.
Long John
Released in 2002 and directed by Sunday Nnajiude, the film features Owoh as Long John, the titular character. Witty, parochial, and a meddlesome ‘busybody,’ he is always quick to bombard others with sharp-tongued sarcasm.
Despite constantly casting aspersions on his amoral wife, he ironically struggles to control his insatiable libertine desires. His latest obsession is Tochi, a beautiful city girl who captivates him.
Determined to win her at any cost, Long John employs every trick in the book, disregarding his wife.
The film stars Charles Awurum, Rita Nzelu, David Ihesie, Diewait Ikpechukwu, and others.
Stronger than Pain
Released in 2007 and directed by Tchidi Chikere, the film featured Owoh as Ulonna.
Ulonna deeply loved his wife, Eringa (played by Kate Henshaw). However, his devotion was so extreme that it made him utterly submissive to her, causing him to be ridiculed and scorned by their community.
But his family intervened, determined to free him from the clutches of his domineering wife.
This role showcased a different side of Owoh's acting abilities. It moved away from comedy to focus on a man’s unwavering love and the societal challenges it brought.
Nkem Owoh
Born in Enugu State, Owoh had his primary and secondary education in Nsukka before studying engineering at the Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta.
While in university, he began acting in various television and film productions. After completing his national youth service, he joined WACO Engineering but was laid off after just one year.
However, this setback became a turning point, leading him to explore radio and television production opportunities.
His journey in the entertainment industry began in 1979 when he started as a writer at the Nigerian Television Authority (NTA).
He further cemented his reputation by scripting notable productions such as ‘The New Masquerade’ and ‘Basi and Company’, a sitcom created by Ken Saro-Wiwa.
He played the role of a drunkard in the groundbreaking sitcom ‘The New Masquerade.’ This unexpected opportunity became the launchpad for his successful career.
Yogo Pam Pam
Released in 1998, ‘Yogo Pam Pam’ was a collaboration between Nkem Owoh and Okey Mac-Anthony, popularly known as Okey Bakassi. It served as a sequel to their first film, Pam Pam.
Owoh played Mambo, while Bakassi portrayed Loco—two misguided, overly ambitious friends willing to do anything except work to make money.
Their desperation intensified when a friend of Mambo’s promised to take them to America if they raised a certain amount within a month.
Determined to travel abroad, the not-so-bright and naive duo resorted to various schemes to reach their target.
They roped in Yogo, a woman whose love they both unsuccessfully pursued. Desperate to escape her stepmother’s constant pressure to get married, Yogo joined their fraudulent ventures.
Throughout the movie, Mambo, Loco, and Yogo deliver plenty of humour, keeping audiences entertained.
Yogo Pam Pam came earlier in Owoh’s career before he rose to fame with an iconic role, Osuofia.
Movie career
After it was finished, Owoh got his start in the film business when he was hired to do the subtitling for the Igbo-language movie "Living in Bondage."
He developed and produced the classic movie "Ikuku" in 1995, when he played the memorable role of inebriated Osuofia. He became a well-known household name as a result of his performance in the movie.
He produced "Ikuku 2," a follow-up to the original film, in 1997, in which he played the drunken once more. He also worked with Okey Bakassi to create "Pam Pam" that year.
Owoh brought Osuofia back to life in the 2003 film Osuofia in London and the 2004 follow-up Osuofia in London 2, both of which were produced by Kingsley Ogoro.
His part in these movies solidified his moniker and earned him popularity throughout the world. His career took off after this breakthrough, guaranteeing his constant on-screen presence.
In addition, Owoh starred in a number of other movies, such as "Dead Serious," "Enemy of Peace," "Emeta," "Iron Lady," "Mbakwe the Tailor," "White Child," and "Foreigner's God."
Music career
A singer as well, Owoh rose to fame by performing the song "I Go Chop Your Dollar," which parodied advance fee fraud.
Owoh played a con artist in the movie The Master, which included the song. The song was banned by the Nigerian Broadcasting Commission in 2007.
Osuofia in London, The Master, and Obara'm are some of Owoh's albums. "I Go Chop Your Dollar," "Agreement," and "My People" are some of his singles.
When Owoh was abducted in eastern Nigeria in November 2009, his captors wanted a ransom of N15 million.
His family supposedly paid a ransom, and he was eventually freed.
In 1998, Owoh wed Ngozi, his wife.
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